ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (DNA):The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued a concise 30-point Code of Conduct for international observers and media during elections, emphasizing impartiality, respect for local laws and culture, responsible reporting, and security and violations may lead to accreditation withdrawal by the Commission.

The code of conduct instructs international observers to rigorously adhere to local laws, and show respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty and cultural norms.

It forbids actions that might sway voters, acceptance of gifts from political entities, and making personal remarks about the election. Additionally, it provides guidelines for responsible reporting and underscores the significance of security measures.

Any individual or member of a local group or international election observation mission, who is observing and reporting on the electoral process must thoroughly read and comprehend this Code of Conduct. They are also required to sign a pledge that is attached to this Code.

International observers and media personnel visiting Pakistan are required to follow the visa application procedures outlined by the government and must not exceed the authorized visa duration. Their conduct should respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and the fundamental rights and freedoms of its people.

International observers and media representatives in Pakistan must comply with the nation’s constitution and laws, as well as respect the authority of the Election Commission and its officials. They are obligated to maintain impartial, objective, and highly accurate observations and reporting.

Observers must heed instructions from the Election Commission and state authorities, maintaining a respectful demeanor toward them. Additionally, they should adhere to government and security agency advisories aimed at ensuring their safety during their stay in Pakistan.

Observers must demonstrate professionalism and cultural respect while displaying their official identification badges or accreditation cards issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan, complying with requests from electoral officials and relevant authorities.

Observers must maintain complete political impartiality throughout the election process, refraining from any bias or preference toward political parties or candidates.

They should adhere to photography rules and restrictions, while retaining the right to ask questions and seek clarification without obstructing any pre-election, election, or post-election procedures. Observers are also expected to collaborate harmoniously with fellow observers, media personnel, and polling staff.

Observers must consult with the Election Commission of Pakistan to select areas for election observation while prioritizing their security. Nevertheless, they should aim for balanced observation and reporting in their area choices. If needed, observers may employ Pakistani interpreters, but they must furnish all necessary information about these interpreters during the accreditation card application process.

Interpreters hired by observers should remain impartial and unprejudiced. They have the freedom to observe and report all aspects of election management, including the actual polling day, without intervening in the proceedings at polling stations.

Furthermore, observers must avoid personal and professional relationships that might create conflicts of interest with their roles as observers and reporters.

Observers must refrain from accepting gifts or favors from any individuals, organizations, or political parties involved in the electoral process. They are prohibited from wearing, carrying, or displaying partisan symbols or colors. Furthermore, observers should avoid making personal comments about their observations or conclusions to the media and should not engage in activities that could give the impression of favoring or opposing any political party or candidate.

Content featured in international print and electronic media, as well as any international media personnel, newspapers, digital media channels, and other influencers on international social media platforms, should not contain elements that promote parochialism, jeopardize the nation’s peace and security, or incite hatred or violence against any specific individual or group within Pakistan.

Similarly, this content should avoid any form of personal attacks against candidates or political parties in Pakistan based on factors such as gender, religion, sect, caste, or social background.

International media, including radio, television, and print, should refrain from publishing content that could harm public opinion about a particular political party or candidate in Pakistan. They must report only officially authenticated election results from the Returning Officer or the Election Commission of Pakistan. Observer organizations should share their findings with the Election Commission, and the government and law enforcement agencies are tasked with ensuring the safety of international observers and media personnel.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) specifies that this code of conduct extends to the official social media accounts of international newspapers, channels, media individuals, and social media influencers. International print, electronic, and digital media entities and influencers on their official digital media platforms should abstain from conducting entrance and exit polls or any surveys in polling stations or constituencies that could potentially impact voters’ free choice during the election process.

The Election Commission of Pakistan retains the authority to withdraw observer accreditation from both individual observers and observer missions, as well as individual journalists and media organizations, in the event of a violation of this Code of Conduct. The Election Commission also holds the responsibility of determining such violations.

LAHORE, Oct 03 (DNA): Former interior minister and Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz (PML-N) Punjab President Rana Sanaullah Tuesday rubbished
the claim that the matters of the PML-N had been settled with the
establishment.

“The impression of the settlement of the PML-N’s matters with the
establishment is baseless,” Rana Sanaullah said while addressing a news
conference in Lahore.

“The whole nation is waiting for Nawaz Sharif’s return. Workers from all
over the country will reach Lahore to welcome Nawaz Sharif,” he added.

“Had the ‘Fitnah’ and ‘Fasad’ not been experienced, the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) would have been completed today,” he stated.

“The vindictive mindset has pushed the country into a quagmire. We will
also start arresting everyone, the country will not progress,” he added.

Rana Sanaullah dispelled the impression of PML-N striking a deal with
the military establishment. “This impression is wrong and baseless,” he
said. “Our legal team has made all the preparations regarding Nawaz
Sharif’s protective bail. He will come back with a protective bail and
surrender to the courts after his reception.”

When asked whether he or the party had received any hint that Nawaz
would be granted protective bail, Rana Sanaullah asserted: “We don’t
believe in such hints.”

He maintained that the PML-N supremo’s case was based on facts, adding:
“We fully believe in Nawaz Sharif’s innocence and since this case holds
no weight, it’s unlikely that we won’t get relief.”

Rana Sanaullah also mentioned how many people had availed relief in the
past and that the party had complete faith in the legal process. “The
entire public is waiting to welcome their leader Nawaz Sharif. He’s
coming to Lahore and will address the public at Minar-i-Pakistan. People
from all walks of life and all over the country will come to Lahore.
They will hear Nawaz live and the media will cover it throughout.”

ISLAMABAD, OCT 3 /DNA/ – The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) launched a Special Report on “Human Security through Development” today.

The Chief Guest on the occasion was Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik. Other discussants included: Ambassador Shafqat Kakakhel, Chairperson BoG, SDPI; Ms. Aisha Khan, Executive Director, Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change; Dr. Aliya Khan, Former Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, QAU, and Mr. Faheem Sardar, Senior Policy Specialist, NSD.

In his address, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Malik emphasized the evolving geopolitical landscape worldwide, where human security challenges manifest uniquely in various countries. He underscored the importance of aligning human security goals with Pakistan’s national capabilities to transform them into tangible realities. The Chairman stressed the necessity of making policy adjustments to advance development goals and objectives, stressing that every element of national power must contribute to the nation’s development efforts. He emphasized the critical role of nurturing a skilled human resource base to effectively address challenges to national progress.

Furthermore, the NDMA Chairman highlighted that Pakistan is transitioning from a reactive stance to a proactive approach in the context of disaster preparedness, disaster management and post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction. In this context, he enumerated the wide range of policy measures and concrete actions initiated by NDMA including in collaboration with national and international partners. In conclusion, he emphasized the importance of formulating National Development Goals tailored to Pakistan’s specific needs, underlining that while the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are valuable, each country should also focus on its unique developmental priorities as well.

In his welcome remarks, Director-General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized the significance of the Special Report as a valuable addition to the ongoing discourse on human security in Pakistan. He noted that while traditional security concerns are vital, they often fall short in addressing the increasingly accentuating non-traditional security threats and challenges. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood pointed out that Pakistan’s National Security Policy (NSP) has rightly prioritized human security as part of comprehensive national security framework, recognizing the numerous security challenges that have impeded the country’s progress towards sustainable development. Among other things, he stressed the importance of nurturing the young generation, describing them as a valuable asset for the nation and highlighting the need to enhance their skill development for increased human security. Furthermore, he emphasized that climate change stands as a significant human security issue for Pakistan and must be addressed with the utmost seriousness. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood concluded by thanking the contributors — noting that the Special Report underscores the necessity for a comprehensive approach to tackle the whole range of human security challenges effectively in a holistic and integrated manner and should serve as a road-map for all the relevant stakeholders.

In her remarks, Director Neelum Nigar highlighted the significance of the CSP report for policymakers, practitioners, and academics, emphasizing its focus on the critical aspects of human security and development within Pakistan. She underscored the diverse backgrounds of the contributors, which enriched the report with a wealth of insights and perspectives on the subject of human security. Dr. Nigar emphasized that the report thoroughly covers challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s human security and development domain. Its primary objective is to encourage constructive dialogue and collaboration to address these critical issues.

In the panel discussion session, Ambassador Kakakhel who is also one of the contributors to the report, emphasized the significance of human security for Pakistan. Ambassador Kakakhel recalled the pioneering role played by Pakistan’s eminent economist Dr. Mehbubul Haq in accentuating the concept of human security in the global discourse. Ambassador Kakakhel noted that in the past decade, the global focus has been on attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which serve as a blueprint for sustainable human development. Ambassador Kakakhel also highlighted the crucial role of the National Security Policy (NSP) in addressing human security concerns in Pakistan, particularly given its emphasis on national cohesion, which is an integral component of national security. He also commended the prominent part accorded to ‘human security’ in the seminal national document such as the NSP.

Ms. Aisha Khan emphasized the unpredictability of today’s world, where new human security challenges emerge continuously. She commended the report for its comprehensive coverage, particularly its in-depth exploration of the climate change challenges confronting Pakistan. Ms. Khan underscored the need for a shift in focus within the country to address both internal and external factors affecting human security, necessitating a more robust institutionalized response. She emphasized that the status quo approach is insufficient, and investment is required to effectively address the evolving landscape of human security challenges.

Dr. Aliya Khan, in her remarks on the report, highlighted the diminishing emphasis on economic development in the discourse on human security in Pakistan. She stressed that in approaching this subject, it is essential to recognize the inter-sectionality of human security, human development and economic society and to prepare accordingly. The report, as noted by Dr. Khan, provokes a discussion on human security, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to tackle these challenges effectively. Moreover, Dr. Khan pointed out that Pakistan’s burgeoning debt crisis represents a significant obstacle to human security development in the country, underscoring the urgent need for increased resource generation.

Mr. Faheem Sardar, in his comments, highlighted that Pakistan’s National Security Policy (NSP) places human security at its core. He noted that Pakistan has been severely impacted by terrorism, resulting in approximately 0.5 trillion dollars in damages since 2002, which has hindered its efforts to address human security challenges effectively. Mr. Faheem Sardar emphasized the interconnection between human security and peace, underscoring the vital role that peace plays in ensuring the well-being and security of the population.

In his vote of thanks, Chairman BoG Ambassador Khalid Mahmood commended the CSP report as a laudable endeavor in highlighting the issue of human security. He noted that the global concept of security has evolved, shifting its focus towards non-traditional security issues. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood specifically highlighted climate change as one of the most substantial threats to human security in Pakistan and emphasized the urgency of addressing it.

The launch was attended by a cross-section of people, including academics, practitioners, former and current Pakistani diplomats and officials, experts from think-tanks, students, and members of the diplomatic corps based in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD, Oct 3 (APP/DNA): The Apex Committee of the National Action Plan on Tuesday, resolving to expel illegal foreign residents from the country and take strict action against their businesses and properties, constituted a task force to scrutinize and do away with fake identity cards and business activities.

The committee, which met under Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, also decided to widen the scope of ongoing action against illegal activities like drug smuggling, hoarding, smuggling of currency and eatables, illegal money transfer and power theft, a PM Office press release said.

Attended by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, relevant federal ministers, provincial chief ministers and heads of civil and military law enforcement agencies, the Apex Committee decided that movement at the border would be subject to the passport and visa, in order to document the processes.

The task force that would work under the Interior Ministry would help scrutinize the fake identity cards, businesses and properties in order to get rid of the same.

The participants of the meeting reviewed the internal security situation in the country with a view to overcome the challenges durably.

They resolved that despite all odds, the government would ensure the implementation of the Constitution and the law as per the public aspirations.

The forum reiterated that the use of force was only the state’s mandate and no individual or group would be allowed to use the same. Besides, there was no room for armed political organisations or groups and the people involved in such activities would be dealt with strictly.

In the meeting, it was also highlighted that Islam was a religion of peace and the state would never allow anyone to interpret the religion just to serve its own political interests.

The rights and religious freedom of the minorities were the components of Islam and Constitution of Pakistan and the state would ensure their provision.

The Apex Committee stressed that those spreading propaganda and disinformation, should be dealt with strictly under cyber laws.

The participants were informed that technical procedures were being devised for the awareness and implementation of the laws, which were being promulgated keeping in view the observance of the law and the convenience of the people.

The forum reiterated its resolve that the principles of faith, unity and discipline would be followed in the true spirit and tireless efforts would continue for the development of the country.